ARTICLES
Summer Science Program for Female Middle & High School Students "Looking at the Universe"
Date of activity: August 22, 2015
Just under 40 junior and high school girls spent the day at the Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU) to meet and learn from working women scientists.
The event "Looking at the Universe" was co-hosted by the University of Tokyo’s Institute for Cosmic Ray Research (ICRR) and the Kavli IPMU on August 22, with the aim to encourage more girls to pursue a career in science.
Thirty-eight junior and high school girls were separated into five groups, and asked to introduce themselves to one another before hearing ICRR Assistant Professor Michiko Oishi talk about cosmic ray research.
Following a lunch where participants chatted with speakers and graduate students, Kavli IPMU Project Researcher Yuki Moritani talked about her research with gamma ray binary progenitor systems.
During the day, participants were also asked to carry out experiments using parabolic reflectors.
This event also provided the perfect opportunity for parents and guardians to ask Moritani and Kavli IPMU Project Academic Support Specialist Tomoko Morii questions about how their daughters can become scientists. The two scientists spoke about their personal experiences, emphasizing the positive choice that women make in pursuing science.
Finally after a group photo, everyone was able to relax and chat about the beginning of the universe over tea and cakes.
Link to Kavli IPMU event information (Japanese)
ICRR Assistant Professor Michio Oishi speaking at the event 
Kavli IPMU Project Researcher Yuki Moritani (right) and Kavli IPMU Project Academic Support Specialist Tomoko Morii (left) answer questions from guardians. 
Students carrying out experiments using parabolic reflectors.
